development of analytical methods for the determination of polar molecules in atmospheric matrices by GC-MS coupled to a derivatization step

Polar compounds, mainly carboxylic acids can be used as tracers of source emissions. They are found in extremely low concentrations in the organic matter of atmospheric particles, thus requiring the development of particularly sensitive analysis techniques. It is developing new methods of analysis of polar compounds in atmospheric particles using gas chromatography mass spectrometry, GC-MS, coupled with a derivatization step. Knowledge of the particulate organic matter provides essential information to define the potential impact of carbonaceous aerosols on climate.This work focuses on two areas: (i) development of analytical methods for the separation and quantification of a mixture of two families of carboxylic acids which are components of organic aerosol, (ii) choose the type of derivatization suitable for the analysis of these two families of acids and also determine the optimum chromatographic conditions for separation and quantification of 30 carboxylic acids.The result of this study showed good reliability for each of two types of acids. This allows to apply the methods developed on atmospheric aerosols. (author)